Professional Networking: Key Benefits & How to Prepare
The key benefits of professional networking start with the meaningful relationships that are built, the potential opportunities, and the exchange of knowledge. Connecting with others in your profession is the quickest and easiest way to discover new opportunities in your career journey. Imagine how simple the job search would be if you could reach out to your professional network for insights. Or maybe you’re a business owner with an interest in keeping up with the latest industry developments. Either way, having a solid and ever-growing network is becoming a necessary part of thriving in the workforce.
Don’t miss the opportunity to network during the Women of Project Management conference this November in Atlanta, GA!
If you haven’t already, log into the membership and click “GET YOUR TICKETS NOW” at the top of the page; member early-bird tickets end July 8th. Then on July 9th, non-members will be able to purchase tickets from the conference website by clicking “GET TICKETS”.
Attending the Women of Project Management conference is also a great way to earn PDUs (professional development units). If you are PMP certified or looking to become certified soon, you’ll need 60 PDUs to maintain the certification with every 3-year cycle. I can’t believe my first 3-year cycle is ending this August. So, I’ll be starting fresh and ready to collect at the conference.
If you’re wondering how to prepare, don’t worry sis, I got you. Below are four ways to prepare for a professional conference and get the most out of the experience.
Get straight to the point and be specific.
The first thing you’ll need to do is understand why you want to attend and set expectations. For me, I’m hyped about just being in a room with other Black women and women of color in project management. I’m extremely curious about the journey into project management because everyone’s journey is a little bit different.
Once you know your why, create an elevator speech. A 30-second light-hearted straight-to-the-point statement about who are and what you’re looking for. This is a great way to quickly introduce yourself and invite a friendly conversation.
Focus on value exchange.
Gaining advice and insights from other women in project management is the goal but keep in mind that you also have a lot to bring to the table. Be open and honest about what you’re looking for and be prepared to discuss your experience.
Kind of like an interview but more friendly and laid back. Each exchange should be mutually beneficial so if you’re looking to gain connections, take a genuine interest in getting to know people.
Display confidence.
It’s simple, look your best, smell good, and even if you’re introverted or shy, be your authentic self with confidence.
Reach out to other attendees in advance.
Whether you are a member or not, connect with others who you know are attending the conference. Plan to sit together or hang out afterward. If you don’t want to go alone, invite a friend or coworker who might be interested.
Research the speaker list once presented and prepare to be fully engaged and ready to ask questions you have prepared.
Check out the clip below where Asya Watkins explains the importance of community and why she created Women of Project Management!
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
“I created this community out of sheer desperation for myself! As a black woman in the project management industry, I craved a space that would support me in my career evolution as well as understand & support my unique perspective. I couldn’t find it, so I created it!” - Asya Watkins, MBA, 6σGB, PMP®
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I’m Asya Watkins MBA, PMP®, Founder of Women Of Project Management.
Women Of Project Management is the only community created to support & amplify the voices of women & women of color in every specialty of the project management industry worldwide.
Join the Women Of Project Management membership at www.WomenOfPM.com today!
